The Shifters stood and watched as the rest of the group arrived. Kerowyn
and Talia were in the lead, Dancingleaf and An'desha, riding Katu, and Rris
trailed a few steps behind.
Wynne stood as they neared. "I am glad you could make it."
It was obvious they were the centre of attention.
The three women dismounted in front of the small group. Kerowyn was, predictably, not in uniform, instead she wore dark grey riding leathers, but Talia wore velvet Whites. Dancingleaf was wearing her flamboyant Kaled'a'in clothing in golds and greens. An'desha wore dark blue, as usual, and hung to the back of the group. The Companions and dyheli were all groomed till they gleamed in the sunlight.
"Grandmother, this is the rest of our party. Herald Talia, the Queen's Own, Herald-Captain Kerowyn of the Skybolts, Katu, An'desha, Goddess Sworn Shaman of the Shin'a'in, and Dancingleaf k'Leshya, trondi'irn." Wynne turned to the new arrivals. "I assume you made a head start to get here so quickly."
"You are supposed to introduce her to us now." Talia said in a hushed whisper.
She was clearly heard by all and this caused a ripple of laughter.
"Sorry, this is my grandmother, Lady Fialawynne."
"I am pleased to meet you, please sit down." Fiala smiled. "We are not a diplomatic species."
The humans each took a seat on a cushion. Katu folded her delicate legs and sank to the ground beside Caedy.
:I haven't had a chance to meet you yet.: Katu said to Wynne.
:I am sorry, I should have searched you out before you left.:
:Don't worry about it. Tyrsell told me a great deal before we left.:
:Good.:
"Shall we get down to business?" Fiala asked.
Talia and Kerowyn were both rather shocked at her bluntness.
Fiala smiled causing her wrinkles to deepen around her eyes and mouth. "At my age you don't have time to beat around the bush. Now Wynne mentioned a few of the stipulations for living in your country. Follow the laws, keep the peace, and pay taxes."
"That is the condensed version, yes."
"What if your own people come against us?"
"If it is unprovoked the army will come to your defence." Kerowyn answered.
"We have one law at the core of all our laws; there is no one true way. This means our citizens are not permitted to persecute anyone because they are different or have different beliefs. If they attack you we will defend you." Talia answered forthrightly.
Fiala nodded. "Wynne mentioned you had mandatory schooling for children. Do we take care of that or do we?"
"You do. The landholder would be responsible to ensure it is enforced. That would be you." Talia answered. "We have encountered many problems trying to educate Wynne."
Wynne grinned shamelessly.
"If there is a disaster you could get funds from the Crown to rebuild." Kerowyn mentioned.
Fiala nodded. "What about your Heralds, will they bother us?"
"At least once a year, yes. By law they must have unrestricted access to children." Talia nodded. "Wynne has told most Heralds about her true nature and without exception she is accepted."
"Quite frankly, we'd love to have Shifters in the Army and Guard to help track down the change creatures." Kerowyn added. "Wynne is one of my favourite pupils."
Wynne grinned widely at the high praise.
Fiala smiled slightly.
:Odd, it seems all the females support us and almost none of the males.: An'desha commented to Wynne.
:They have their own little plans.:
Fiala nodded. "I support this treaty and I would like us to settle here permanently."
There was a wave of whispers.
:Is this too easy?: Kerowyn asked Wynne.
:This is part of their plan.:
"Liawynne, I know this is off topic, but tell us about your nieces." Sea said suddenly.
Wynne was shocked. "My brother had two daughters and no other children. Tana died late last summer but Ana is still alive and well."
"What about Shifting?"
"Humans are different from Shifters, we have our abilities from birth, but theirs don't manifest until puberty. Ana has the same immunity to magic as us, she has the same heightened senses at us, and she purrs."
"What about Tana?"
"Her mother died giving birth to her and the Healer was unable to prevent brain damage due to reduced blood flow because of our natural protections."
"I assume you are trying to suggest there will be a higher female birthrate among half-Shifters." Dancingleaf commented.
Everyone turned their attention on her.
"I am a Healer and quite honestly, I believe we can increase the birthrate of girls among full Shifter couples. We could establish a trondi'irn Healing temple in k'Valdemar and do more research on it."
"I know there is nothing more to be said that will change our minds. Shall we vote?" Fiala asked with out raising her voice.
"I am staying no matter the vote." A woman said loudly.
"As am I." A fourteen year old girl said.
It was quickly obvious that all the families were staying. Many mentioned they wanted their children to have a settled life.
:What did you do? You only had two candlemarks.: Kerowyn asked.
:I did nothing. The ladies lured us here for exactly this reason.: Wynne answered.
Soon the ones who were holding out voted to stay. Only twenty remained adamant they were not staying.
Wynne quickly got tired of their complaints. "If you don't want to stay, you know where the border is."
They shut up quickly.
"To the Havens with diplomacy?" Talia asked.
Fiala stepped in to defend her. "I told you weren't very diplomatic. She is doing just fine."
"This is blackmail." Brennan swore.
Dancingleaf turned to face him. "Get over it. They want to create a safe future for their children. They aren't trying to destroy your way of life."
Brennan gaped down at her.
"Is this your decision?" Fiala asked.
There were over four hundred nods.
"So be it. Lady Talia, you have just acquired a new town."
Sea whooped loudly.
~*~
Fialawynne sat patiently as Dancingleaf examined her.
"Don't you have Healers of your own?" Dancingleaf asked in exasperation.
"No." Fialawynne shook her head. "We haven't needed them."
"Are you done poking my mother yet?" Brennan asked.
"Go sit down." Dancingleaf ordered. "I will let you know when I am done."
Brennan growled. Wynne hid a grin behind her hand.
"Ma'am, I am sorry but your son is proving to be more pig than cat." Dancingleaf said quietly knowing her would hear her perfectly.
Wynne couldn't stop at a grin this time. Brennan shot a glare at her.
"Liawynne, would you please drag him out of here?" Fiala chuckled.
Wynne grabbed his arm and escorted him outside. "There is an old saying in Valdemar, only Heralds and idiots argue with Healers. Now unless you have been Chosen, you are proving yourself an idiot."
"How do I know she isn't going to do harm?"
"They take an oath not to do harm." Wynne stopped when they were outside and out of Dancingleaf's hearing. "Uncle, I know you want the best for grandmother, but Dancingleaf can probably heal her. She is very good at what she does."
"What can she do that the rest of us can't?" Brennan demanded.
"My mother and then my brothers taught me all they knew about healing before they died. What we can do is nothing compared to what she can do. She can See what is wrong within the body and manipulate energies to Heal a person. Very few people are born with that ability. She deserves your respect." Wynne poked her finger in his chest.
Brennan took two steps back. "You barged in on us with a bunch of humans in your wake. You have turned the ladies against us. You even had the poor taste to choose a human as your mate."
Brennan was completely oblivious to the attention they were gathering. Talia tried to motion for Wynne to back down. Kerowyn had a slight smile and her arms crossed over her chest. Caedy was looking down over the others with her head tilted to one side, obviously enjoying the confrontation.
:Relax little cat.: Daire urged.
:Not a chance!: Wynne answered. "Uncle, maybe it was a little to obvious for you, but I was basically lured here with those humans. I had no plans to convince you to stay. My only goal was to give you the option sign a treaty or get out of Valdemar. It is not my place to make such sweeping decisions for people I have never met. As for turning the women, they wanted to stay here. They want stability for their children. Can you blame them? They have been moving every few years, unable to make a true home for them. And about choosing a human mate, he is the other half of me. Now take your back country, ignorant, narrow minded prejudices and get out of my face!"
Talia started rubbing her forehead. Kerowyn was smiling openly. Caedy was openly chuckling. Dancingleaf and Fiala stood in the door. The Companions were unreadable. The Shifters were actually smiling.
"I told you she was fierce." A familiar voice said from the crowd. Keane pushed in and stood between them.
"I am glad I didn't cause any scars." Wynne greeted him. "My niece says she owes you a kick on the shin for being an idiot. If you'll excuse me, I am going to see if Dancingleaf needs any help."
Brennan stared after her.
"Quite the little firebrand, aren't you." Fiala commented as she returned.
"He deserved it." Wynne shrugged. "Do you know what's wrong?"
Dancingleaf straightened. "Yes, it is a parasite. I see no reason why you can't live for another few decades. For someone your age, you are actually in good health except for a tiny parasite in your intestines."
"Really, what is it doing?" Fiala asked.
"It is eating the proteins you need. It is what is causing the pain and the weakness. I have examined Wynne so I knew Shifters require more protein more often than humans. Now, if you just lie down I can see about killing these parasites."
"Should I see about a nice thick steak for her?" Wynne asked. "You mentioned proteins."
"Send someone else, I could use your help here." Dancingleaf helped Fiala lie across several of the pillows.
Wynne went to the door; Tandee was already scurrying off into the darkness. "Tandee has already taken care of it. I haven't helped a Healer before but I'll do my best."
Dancingleaf spoke her through the process of giving the Healer energy. Wynne was fascinated when she find she could See what Dancingleaf Saw. The colours moved and pulsed with Fiala's heartbeat. There were tiny dots of a sickly yellow in her abdomen which Wynne assumed as the parasites. As she watched they vanished one by one.
"There, we're done." Dancingleaf sat back. Beads of sweat decorated her forehead.
"That's it?" Fiala asked.
Dancingleaf nodded.
Tandee appeared with a plate of food she had probably had ready and waiting.
Fiala stood and stretched stiffly. "I haven't felt so good in years. Thank you. If you two young ladies don't mind, I have some thinking I wish to do."
Wynne led Dancingleaf from the house. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure. I like her a great deal. Actually I like most of you people a great deal." Dancingleaf admitted.
"My uncle is the fly in the ointment isn't he."
Dancingleaf glanced towards the shadowy figure watching them from across the square.
Wynne grinned widely, she recognized that scent anywhere. Dancingleaf was very attracted to her uncle. They were close to the same age, Dancingleaf was in her mid-thirties and Brennan was just this side of forty.
"I was thinking, my uncle, as the lady of whatever-they-name-this-place's son he would be a good choice to come to Haven as a representative. He is ornery enough to face off with the council and win."
"Haven't they decided this will always be held by the female line?"
Wynne nodded. "After my grandmother passes on, I would be the Lady, even though I am the Herald. They have also agreed that no female of our line will be asked to relinquish their claim on the title, they will just be asked to find a placeholder."
"So yours will be your uncle?"
"Yes. The other reason I would like him to come to Haven." Wynne nodded. "Do you think he will come?"
"Who knows? Even I heard your little face off."
"Well, he would also be the legal guardian of the children. Since I am a trainee right now I just don't have as much time as I would like for them."
The shadow stiffened.
Dancingleaf smiled. "I have been to your tavern many times, those four are absolute darlings."
"I'll do it." Brennan said before he walked away.
"What did he say?"
"He'll do it." Wynne grinned.
Wynne stood as they neared. "I am glad you could make it."
It was obvious they were the centre of attention.
The three women dismounted in front of the small group. Kerowyn was, predictably, not in uniform, instead she wore dark grey riding leathers, but Talia wore velvet Whites. Dancingleaf was wearing her flamboyant Kaled'a'in clothing in golds and greens. An'desha wore dark blue, as usual, and hung to the back of the group. The Companions and dyheli were all groomed till they gleamed in the sunlight.
"Grandmother, this is the rest of our party. Herald Talia, the Queen's Own, Herald-Captain Kerowyn of the Skybolts, Katu, An'desha, Goddess Sworn Shaman of the Shin'a'in, and Dancingleaf k'Leshya, trondi'irn." Wynne turned to the new arrivals. "I assume you made a head start to get here so quickly."
"You are supposed to introduce her to us now." Talia said in a hushed whisper.
She was clearly heard by all and this caused a ripple of laughter.
"Sorry, this is my grandmother, Lady Fialawynne."
"I am pleased to meet you, please sit down." Fiala smiled. "We are not a diplomatic species."
The humans each took a seat on a cushion. Katu folded her delicate legs and sank to the ground beside Caedy.
:I haven't had a chance to meet you yet.: Katu said to Wynne.
:I am sorry, I should have searched you out before you left.:
:Don't worry about it. Tyrsell told me a great deal before we left.:
:Good.:
"Shall we get down to business?" Fiala asked.
Talia and Kerowyn were both rather shocked at her bluntness.
Fiala smiled causing her wrinkles to deepen around her eyes and mouth. "At my age you don't have time to beat around the bush. Now Wynne mentioned a few of the stipulations for living in your country. Follow the laws, keep the peace, and pay taxes."
"That is the condensed version, yes."
"What if your own people come against us?"
"If it is unprovoked the army will come to your defence." Kerowyn answered.
"We have one law at the core of all our laws; there is no one true way. This means our citizens are not permitted to persecute anyone because they are different or have different beliefs. If they attack you we will defend you." Talia answered forthrightly.
Fiala nodded. "Wynne mentioned you had mandatory schooling for children. Do we take care of that or do we?"
"You do. The landholder would be responsible to ensure it is enforced. That would be you." Talia answered. "We have encountered many problems trying to educate Wynne."
Wynne grinned shamelessly.
"If there is a disaster you could get funds from the Crown to rebuild." Kerowyn mentioned.
Fiala nodded. "What about your Heralds, will they bother us?"
"At least once a year, yes. By law they must have unrestricted access to children." Talia nodded. "Wynne has told most Heralds about her true nature and without exception she is accepted."
"Quite frankly, we'd love to have Shifters in the Army and Guard to help track down the change creatures." Kerowyn added. "Wynne is one of my favourite pupils."
Wynne grinned widely at the high praise.
Fiala smiled slightly.
:Odd, it seems all the females support us and almost none of the males.: An'desha commented to Wynne.
:They have their own little plans.:
Fiala nodded. "I support this treaty and I would like us to settle here permanently."
There was a wave of whispers.
:Is this too easy?: Kerowyn asked Wynne.
:This is part of their plan.:
"Liawynne, I know this is off topic, but tell us about your nieces." Sea said suddenly.
Wynne was shocked. "My brother had two daughters and no other children. Tana died late last summer but Ana is still alive and well."
"What about Shifting?"
"Humans are different from Shifters, we have our abilities from birth, but theirs don't manifest until puberty. Ana has the same immunity to magic as us, she has the same heightened senses at us, and she purrs."
"What about Tana?"
"Her mother died giving birth to her and the Healer was unable to prevent brain damage due to reduced blood flow because of our natural protections."
"I assume you are trying to suggest there will be a higher female birthrate among half-Shifters." Dancingleaf commented.
Everyone turned their attention on her.
"I am a Healer and quite honestly, I believe we can increase the birthrate of girls among full Shifter couples. We could establish a trondi'irn Healing temple in k'Valdemar and do more research on it."
"I know there is nothing more to be said that will change our minds. Shall we vote?" Fiala asked with out raising her voice.
"I am staying no matter the vote." A woman said loudly.
"As am I." A fourteen year old girl said.
It was quickly obvious that all the families were staying. Many mentioned they wanted their children to have a settled life.
:What did you do? You only had two candlemarks.: Kerowyn asked.
:I did nothing. The ladies lured us here for exactly this reason.: Wynne answered.
Soon the ones who were holding out voted to stay. Only twenty remained adamant they were not staying.
Wynne quickly got tired of their complaints. "If you don't want to stay, you know where the border is."
They shut up quickly.
"To the Havens with diplomacy?" Talia asked.
Fiala stepped in to defend her. "I told you weren't very diplomatic. She is doing just fine."
"This is blackmail." Brennan swore.
Dancingleaf turned to face him. "Get over it. They want to create a safe future for their children. They aren't trying to destroy your way of life."
Brennan gaped down at her.
"Is this your decision?" Fiala asked.
There were over four hundred nods.
"So be it. Lady Talia, you have just acquired a new town."
Sea whooped loudly.
~*~
Fialawynne sat patiently as Dancingleaf examined her.
"Don't you have Healers of your own?" Dancingleaf asked in exasperation.
"No." Fialawynne shook her head. "We haven't needed them."
"Are you done poking my mother yet?" Brennan asked.
"Go sit down." Dancingleaf ordered. "I will let you know when I am done."
Brennan growled. Wynne hid a grin behind her hand.
"Ma'am, I am sorry but your son is proving to be more pig than cat." Dancingleaf said quietly knowing her would hear her perfectly.
Wynne couldn't stop at a grin this time. Brennan shot a glare at her.
"Liawynne, would you please drag him out of here?" Fiala chuckled.
Wynne grabbed his arm and escorted him outside. "There is an old saying in Valdemar, only Heralds and idiots argue with Healers. Now unless you have been Chosen, you are proving yourself an idiot."
"How do I know she isn't going to do harm?"
"They take an oath not to do harm." Wynne stopped when they were outside and out of Dancingleaf's hearing. "Uncle, I know you want the best for grandmother, but Dancingleaf can probably heal her. She is very good at what she does."
"What can she do that the rest of us can't?" Brennan demanded.
"My mother and then my brothers taught me all they knew about healing before they died. What we can do is nothing compared to what she can do. She can See what is wrong within the body and manipulate energies to Heal a person. Very few people are born with that ability. She deserves your respect." Wynne poked her finger in his chest.
Brennan took two steps back. "You barged in on us with a bunch of humans in your wake. You have turned the ladies against us. You even had the poor taste to choose a human as your mate."
Brennan was completely oblivious to the attention they were gathering. Talia tried to motion for Wynne to back down. Kerowyn had a slight smile and her arms crossed over her chest. Caedy was looking down over the others with her head tilted to one side, obviously enjoying the confrontation.
:Relax little cat.: Daire urged.
:Not a chance!: Wynne answered. "Uncle, maybe it was a little to obvious for you, but I was basically lured here with those humans. I had no plans to convince you to stay. My only goal was to give you the option sign a treaty or get out of Valdemar. It is not my place to make such sweeping decisions for people I have never met. As for turning the women, they wanted to stay here. They want stability for their children. Can you blame them? They have been moving every few years, unable to make a true home for them. And about choosing a human mate, he is the other half of me. Now take your back country, ignorant, narrow minded prejudices and get out of my face!"
Talia started rubbing her forehead. Kerowyn was smiling openly. Caedy was openly chuckling. Dancingleaf and Fiala stood in the door. The Companions were unreadable. The Shifters were actually smiling.
"I told you she was fierce." A familiar voice said from the crowd. Keane pushed in and stood between them.
"I am glad I didn't cause any scars." Wynne greeted him. "My niece says she owes you a kick on the shin for being an idiot. If you'll excuse me, I am going to see if Dancingleaf needs any help."
Brennan stared after her.
"Quite the little firebrand, aren't you." Fiala commented as she returned.
"He deserved it." Wynne shrugged. "Do you know what's wrong?"
Dancingleaf straightened. "Yes, it is a parasite. I see no reason why you can't live for another few decades. For someone your age, you are actually in good health except for a tiny parasite in your intestines."
"Really, what is it doing?" Fiala asked.
"It is eating the proteins you need. It is what is causing the pain and the weakness. I have examined Wynne so I knew Shifters require more protein more often than humans. Now, if you just lie down I can see about killing these parasites."
"Should I see about a nice thick steak for her?" Wynne asked. "You mentioned proteins."
"Send someone else, I could use your help here." Dancingleaf helped Fiala lie across several of the pillows.
Wynne went to the door; Tandee was already scurrying off into the darkness. "Tandee has already taken care of it. I haven't helped a Healer before but I'll do my best."
Dancingleaf spoke her through the process of giving the Healer energy. Wynne was fascinated when she find she could See what Dancingleaf Saw. The colours moved and pulsed with Fiala's heartbeat. There were tiny dots of a sickly yellow in her abdomen which Wynne assumed as the parasites. As she watched they vanished one by one.
"There, we're done." Dancingleaf sat back. Beads of sweat decorated her forehead.
"That's it?" Fiala asked.
Dancingleaf nodded.
Tandee appeared with a plate of food she had probably had ready and waiting.
Fiala stood and stretched stiffly. "I haven't felt so good in years. Thank you. If you two young ladies don't mind, I have some thinking I wish to do."
Wynne led Dancingleaf from the house. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure. I like her a great deal. Actually I like most of you people a great deal." Dancingleaf admitted.
"My uncle is the fly in the ointment isn't he."
Dancingleaf glanced towards the shadowy figure watching them from across the square.
Wynne grinned widely, she recognized that scent anywhere. Dancingleaf was very attracted to her uncle. They were close to the same age, Dancingleaf was in her mid-thirties and Brennan was just this side of forty.
"I was thinking, my uncle, as the lady of whatever-they-name-this-place's son he would be a good choice to come to Haven as a representative. He is ornery enough to face off with the council and win."
"Haven't they decided this will always be held by the female line?"
Wynne nodded. "After my grandmother passes on, I would be the Lady, even though I am the Herald. They have also agreed that no female of our line will be asked to relinquish their claim on the title, they will just be asked to find a placeholder."
"So yours will be your uncle?"
"Yes. The other reason I would like him to come to Haven." Wynne nodded. "Do you think he will come?"
"Who knows? Even I heard your little face off."
"Well, he would also be the legal guardian of the children. Since I am a trainee right now I just don't have as much time as I would like for them."
The shadow stiffened.
Dancingleaf smiled. "I have been to your tavern many times, those four are absolute darlings."
"I'll do it." Brennan said before he walked away.
"What did he say?"
"He'll do it." Wynne grinned.